I am thinking about buying something like this: Wristband Compass & Thermometer.

I'd like to replace the tiny versions that have been banging around on my keychain for a few years.

I thought equally tiny versions worn around one's wrist might suffice.

Any thoughts?

-- Craig

I wonder how much the thermometer would be affected by body heat, or some cover by clothing.

I have a thermometer built in to my Timex Helix watch. When worn it seems to run 10-12 degrees F. over ambiant temperature.

Regards, Vince

My thoughts exactly. But it could still be useful, I should think.

-- Craig

I suppose the question should be rephrased 'accurate enough for what?' I've found a button compass great for getting myself fixed on a roadmap or in a unfamiliar nieghborhood. If you need to know where ' thataway' is they're fine: better than all the sunshadow sticks and fondling trees for moss tricks we're supposed to remember along with our name and address every morning. The thermometer is questionable. I like to see the mercury in a tube. Even tiny ones give a dramatic visual template of relative temperature. If it's huddled at the bottom shivering I know I should be huddled up somewhere too.

Accurate enough to do the things for which you normally use a button compass on your keychain. That's the honest answer. My button compass on my keychain is looking like roadkill.

I thought if I could wear one on my wrist, rather than carry it on my keychain, it might last longer and make my keychain lighter in the process.

That's my logic and I'm sticking to it. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

-- Craig

I have used several of the dial thermometers, and they vary. Even off the body, and on the ground. If you check them at the stores you can see various temperature readings. But they are within =/- 5% usually. You would probably do better with as air conditioning thermometer, and cut the stem off if you are looking for accuracy.

The compass in my tissot is supprisingly accurate, the thermometer is too, but it needs to stay off your wrist for 20 minutes or so to give an accurate reading.

Your post brings up a hidden epidemic among hikers. I've observed countless people packing a big old Rambo knife, canteen etc. that gives them a decided list to starboard. Then they walk in a subtle arc to the right and then blame that poor old button compass in the knife's hollow compartment for getting themselves lost. Like Bugs said "hmm, I must have taken a wrong turn at Albuquerque <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />"

I have a Casio watch with compass, barometer and termometer, and the instructions say that to get an accurate temperature reading it must be removed from you wrist for 20 minutes.
In practice it doesn't need to be off for that long, but temp is not something that I use it for anyway.